10 Tips For Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party At Walt Disney World Resort

I have recently written an article on the fun things to do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party(MNSSHP) at Magic Kingdom, and I thought of some tips that I wanted to share as well. We haven’t had a chance to attend a party night for a few years, but are hoping to go this year. We had planned on going last year, but didn’t get to it! Part of the reason that we have not attended the party for a few years is cost, and the other is the big crowds. The years when my son was under 12 (we attended our first party when Clayton III was about 6 1/2 years old), the party nights were not that busy. You could jump on a ride and go a few times without ever waiting. I remember riding Goofy’s Barnstormer about 5 times in a row. So much fun!! The last MNSSHP we attended was in 2013, and even though we had a great time, the amount of people attending seemed like more than a normal day at the park. And, that was always the appeal of the party nights, they had a limited amount of tickets sold (there is never any disclosure as to how many they do sell for a party night), but I felt that they were allowing more guests to attend. All that being said, I am just itching to get back this year. I will prepare myself for a big crowd of people and just enjoy myself. 🙂

1. The scoop on ticket prices

The prices have increased! If you go early on (August – early September), you will be paying much less (around $74/adult and $69/child) than if you attend a party in late September – Halloween night. In fact, on Halloween, you can pay as much as $115/adult. So plan wisely. Also, if you are a DVC member or Annual Passholder, the ticket prices are reduced for you too. I think that it is a party worth attending, but I am not sure I would pay over $80. That is just me though. I remember the days of paying under $40/ticket. I am going to use some of my saved up Disney rewards to get our tickets this year. See all of the pricing at Disney’s site here.

2. Tickets may sell out early

Many nights sell out in advance, especially Halloween night. So, if you have a particular date in mind that you want to attend MNSSHP, order your tickets early!

3. Arrive at the party early

Ok, it is not advertised by Disney, but they do allow guests that have a ticket for MNSSHP to arrive as early as 4:00 pm. This is really great! You get in, get your wrist band for the party, your treat bag and a guidemap for the evening’s festivities. We like to grab a meal before the party officially begins, because we don’t want to take up party time to eat dinner. Plus, everyone in your family is full and then you can enjoy the CANDY!! 🙂

4. Manage your time

I touched on this a little bit in my article about the 6 things you should do at MNSSHP, but you really do need to have some sort of plan for your party night. The time goes by really fast. So, as I said above, sit down and have dinner and then make your plans on when you will get on rides, meet and greet characters, watch the parade and fireworks, etc. It helps to figure out the route you are taking as you go through the park throughout the evening so that you aren’t running from Tomorrowland then over to Frontierland and then to Fantasyland. I am sure you get the point. 🙂

So here are some of my suggestions as you plan your visit. Hop on rides that are usually busy or grab a photo with a Disney character while the Mickey’s “Boo To You” Halloween Parade is taking place. The lines will be shorter, especially during the first time slot for the parade (Mickey’s “Boo To You” Halloween Parade will run twice during the party night).

Below are the rides that are open during the event:

Adventureland-
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Swiss Family Treehouse

Frontierland-
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Country Bear Jamboree

Liberty Square-
Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland-
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
“It’s a small world”
Peter Pan’s Flight
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mad Tea Party
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

5. Costumes

Even though the nights do get a little cooler as we get into October in Florida, it is still pretty warm and best to choose a costume that is lightweight and comfortable to wear on attractions. In the past, my son has had to take his costume off because he was uncomfortable. So, really think about that before attending. It is nice if everyone in your family is having fun, and one way to help with that is comfort.

6. Bring your own bag

We have never done this, but I notice a lot of people bring their own treat bag. You are provided one/person when you get to Magic Kingdom for the party. But, I have seen people talking about bringing their own. There are more than 10 treat locations for you and your family to stop by. So, lots of opportunity to grab some sweet treats.

7. Don’t bring too much stuff

The less you have to lug around, the better. I know it is hard if you have little ones to be simple in what you bring to the park, but if you can unload some things, it will be easier to get around and have more fun. I like to just pack a little bag with my tickets, hand sanitizer, credit card, cash, Tylenol and cough drops (we always seem to need these)!

8. Check out the Halloween goodies

There are special things that you can purchase during the party, like T-shirts, food and more, that you will not find on a regular park day. So, be sure and stop by the Emporium, Box Office Gifts, Mickey’s Star Traders and Big Top Souvenirs for event T-shirts and MagicBands. And, if you are looking for specialty foods, try Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Main Street Bakery, Storybook Treats and Gaston’s Tavern.

9. Get a spot for the parade early

You will need to find a spot for the parade about 30 minutes early. It may be less than that, it could be longer. It just depends on if the party is busy and if you have a particular place you want to view Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade from. The route begins back in Frontierland and makes its way toward Cinderella Castle and then down Main Street, U.S.A. is where it finishes. I feel it is less crowded closer to the beginning of the parade, and we usually find a place to wait there. The Headless Horseman rides first and then the parade begins. The parade is about 20 minutes long, and you will be waiting a while if you are on Main Street. But, it is more lit up there, so you just need to determine which works better for you.

10. Take lots of pictures

As I was looking back at my old photos of our time at this party in year’s past, I really wished I would have taken more pictures!! 🙂 You can never have too many!

In my opinion, even though Christmas is my favorite holiday, I have always enjoyed MNSSHP, even over Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Fall nights are so great in Florida, as the air is a little crisper and you get that “not-so-scary” feel in the evening during the party. Everyone has a blast grabbing candy. Plus, my husband and I both celebrate our birthdays in October, so we always tried to travel down to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party as part of our birthday presents to each other.

Remember, it will be hard to get to everything. The lines are long for character meet and greets, and there is so much entertainment. You just have to do your best and pick which is most important to you and your family! Have a BLAST, and let me know if you attended this year! 🙂

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My name is Amy. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have a wonderful teenage son. I am so blessed, they are the BEST! :) We have fun just being together. I love baking for them; watching our favorite sports, TV shows and movies together; exploring, crafting and more. Life is a journey...thanks for reading about mine. :)